Discover a Rare Piece of Italian History in the Hills Above Lake Iseo - Estate of Three Properties For Sale

Nestled in Esmate — the elevated hillside hamlet of the Comune di Solto Collina — this extraordinary 12th-century castle estate sits in a tranquil, idyllic setting close to the lake and the neighbouring villages of Solto Collina and Fonteno. Available as a whole or as individual properties, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in one of the most quietly spectacular corners of northern Italy.

The Estate Comprising three distinct properties, two of which have already benefited from partial refurbishment, the estate offers any buyer — whether acquiring a single unit or the entire portfolio — a meaningful head start on their vision.

The Castle At the heart of the estate stands a breathtaking 12th-century castle, once home to monks, now ready to be reimagined. Original features including stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings, fireplaces, a 12th-century oven, and an impressive entrance speak to its extraordinary heritage. An approved renovation project and building permit are included in the sale, offering a seamless path to realising your dream — whether a luxury private residence, an exclusive rental property, a boutique retreat, or a destination for yoga, art, or culinary experiences.

The Setting The estate enjoys gardens, mountain and lake views, back and front courtyards. Just 7 minutes away lies Baia del Bogn — the celebrated “Thailand of Italy” — a hidden natural bay between Riva di Solto and Castro, with crystalline waters and dramatic cliffs plunging sheer into the lake. Beyond the bay, Lake Iseo offers an exceptional range of water and summer activities: swimming, kayaking, SUP, sailing, cycling along the shore, and ferry trips to Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe.

The Location Esmate sits within the Comune di Solto Collina, in the Province of Bergamo, Lombardy. Its connectivity is a genuine asset:

Lovere — just 10 minutes by car (7 miles away) — is a jewel of the lake and a member of I Borghi più Belli d’Italia (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages) since 2003, set like a natural amphitheatre between the crystal-clear waters of Lake Iseo and the green slopes of the Bergamo Alpine foothills.

Sarnico — the lively, bustling lakeside town at the southern tip of Lake Iseo — is approximately 8 miles away, reachable in around 20 minutes by car.

Bergamo Airport (BGY / Orio al Serio) — one of northern Italy’s busiest hubs — is just 40 minutes by car (24 miles). From there, the historic upper city of Bergamo Alta is equally accessible for a half-day trip of exceptional culture, cuisine, and architecture.

Milan — approximately 55 miles away, reachable in around 1 hour by car.

Verona and Lake Garda — around 76 miles away, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car — placing the estate almost exactly midway between Milan and Verona, making effortless day

FIRST PROPERTY

SECOND PROPERTY

THIRD PROPERTY